Nepean power Sorrento is a game outside the five with two rounds remaining

NEPEAN power Sorrento loses to Hastings by 18 points and is in danger of missing the finals for the first time since 2006. And Langwarrin upsets Pines in Peninsula.

Hastings midfielder Dale Alanis fires out a handball against Sorrento. Picture: Chris Eastman

SORRENTO’S decade-long run of playing finals football could be about to end after it lost to Hastings by 18 points in Nepean league on Saturday.

Having lost three of their past five outings, the Sharks, sixth, are a game out with only two games remaining.

“It is what it is,’’ Sorrento coach Nick Jewell said.

“If we are good enough to win the last couple we might sneak in. If not, that’s probably where we are as a side … with the talent we’ve got out there we’re probably somewhere between fourth and seventh I would have thought.’’

Hastings midfield star Mark Devereaux was clearly best-on-ground as the Blues won 6.14 (50) to 4.8 (32) to consolidate fourth spot.

Dale Alanis played his best game for Hastings and Paul Rogasch did well, while Under 19 utility Aaron King impressed on debut.

“In all honesty, I couldn’t fault anyone,’’ Hastings coach Brendan Dunne said.

“We hit a flat spot (a few weeks ago) … but to get the win yesterday, the boys will take a lot out of that.

“It’s just an attitude thing for us, if we play as a team we normally win the game.’’

Sorrento’s Luke Tapscott on the burst against Hastings. Picture: Christ Eastman

A late goal by Dromana forward Jay Hutchinson clinched a three-point win for the Tigers over Red Hill.

The Dromana ground was covered in water at one end, reducing the game to a slog. The Tigers won 7.8 (50) to 7.5 (47).

The narrow loss was a blow to Red Hill’s finals hopes. “It puts us back fighting for survival,’’ Red Hill coach Tony Blackford said.

Dromana’s best included Christian Ongarello, Kierran Voelkl, Hutchinson and Dean Waugh, while Jake Mitchell was again Red Hill’s best.

Defending champ Rosebud revved up for another tilt at the title by spanking Rye by 102 points at Rowley Reserve. The Buds had 13 different goal kickers, with Dale Stephens and Tom Stoffels kicking three apiece and Brenton Davidge and Daniel Wilson playing starring roles.

Rosebud has won four games in a row, while Rye’s finals hopes look shot after dropping its past two.

Third-placed Somerville thrashed Tyabb by 98 points, with its big guns dominating, led by Tim McGenniss and Scott Simpson. Under 19 Josh McMahon was impressive, as was Luke Collie and Kane McKenzie.

The ladder-leading Frankston Bombers accounted for Devon Meadows by 44 points, and Pearcedale beat Crib Point by 19 points. Alex Harnett and Dylan Hoare starred.

They were unbackable favourites a month ago, but Frankston YCW’s quest for a third straight premiership in Peninsula league has hit a hurdle.

After losing to Mt Eliza earlier this month, and then being pushed by lowly Chelsea, the Stonecats had to pull out all stops to beat eighth-placed Mornington by five points on Saturday.

Injuries have played a part in YCW’s “flat spot’’ – and on Saturday the Stonecats’ injury toll grew.

Key position man Daniel Waddell suffered an ACL knee injury and ruckman Ash Eames rolled his ankle.

“It was a tough day,’’ Frankston YCW coach Scott Mathers said after his side’s 6.11 (47) to 6.6 (42) win over Mornington at Coburn Oval.

“We never expected just to roll through and not have setbacks. Well, they’ve come and we’ve just got to deal with them.’’ Frankston YCW (13-1) remains clear on top but it may have lost its lustre — for now, anyway.

Mathers said star forward David Bodley, who did his ankle against Mt Eliza a few weeks ago, was unlikely to play again until finals. But Sam Widdowson is expected to return this weekend.

Best in YC’s win over Mornington were Brenton Credlin, Jai Coghlan and Craig Nankervis, while Will Goosey was the Bulldogs’ best.

Hastings coach Brendan Dunne. Picture: Chris Eastman

Langwarrin coach Bradley Dredge hailed his side’s upset 20-point win over Pines as its best of the season.

“Definitely, it was four quarters of very good football,’’ he said.

“There was a bit of resolve among them, they really wanted to get this result.’’

At Lloyd Park, Langwarrin led all the way to win 10.10 (70) to 7.8 (50), banking its fourth win. Michael Parker worked tirelessly for the Kangaroos, while skipper Matt Naughton, Nick Hammill, Travis Baldock (two goals), Mitchell Cuthbert and Nick Tuddenham did well.

Pines coach Paddy Swayn was at a loss to explain his side’s inconsistency. “We are up and down like a fiddler’s elbow,’’ he said.

“If you’d have watched us against Bonbeach you would have though the premiership race is alive and well. And then you watch yesterday you’d say, ‘bloody hell, they are just making up the numbers’.’’

Mt Eliza consolidated second spot with a 31-point win over Edi-Asp. Redlegs champ Jimmy Clayton was best-on-ground and Matt Stanley slotted three goals for the fourth time this season.

Sheldon Price booted three goals in Bonbeach’s 42-point win over Karingal. Dylan Jones and Mark Tyrell also impressed as the Sharks won 12.12 (84) to 6.6 (42) to improve its record to 8-6.

Seaford beat Chelsea by 19 points, with Dean Kemble, Jackson Mockett and Josh Stokes showing the way.